VP office evacuated after bomb threat, no explosives found

On Monday afternoon, March 24, workers at the Office of Vice President Sara Duterte were evacuated after receiving a text message containing a bomb threat.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the Mandaluyong Police was dispatched to conduct a thorough search of the OVP's headquarters in Robinsons Cybergate Plaza.

No explosive devices were found, and operations at the Office of the Vice President resumed by 4:00 p.m. that day.

The OVP reminded the public that bomb threats are serious matters concerning public security and safety and can endanger lives.

Hoax bomb threats are punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727, also known as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or a fine.

Vice President Sara Duterte has been out of the country since mid-March and is currently in The Hague, Netherlands attending to her father's case before the International Criminal Court.